enhance

verb

en·​hance in-ˈhan(t)s How to pronounce enhance (audio)
en-
enhanced; enhancing

transitive verb

1
: heighten, increase
especially : to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness
enhanced the room with crown molding
2
obsolete : raise
enhancement noun

Did you know?

Enhance Has Latin Roots

When enhance was borrowed into English in the 13th century, it literally meant to raise something higher. That sense, though now obsolete, provides a clue about the origins of the word. Enhance, which was spelled enhauncen in Middle English, comes to us from Anglo-French enhaucer or enhauncer ("to raise"), which can be traced back to the Latin altus ("high") by way of an assumed Vulgar Latin verb inaltiare, which would have been formed by combining the prefix in- with the Latin altus. Although enhance initially applied only to physically making things higher, it developed an additional and less literal sense of "to exalt especially in rank or spirit," and quickly acquired extended figurative senses for raising the value or attractiveness of something or someone.

Examples of enhance in a Sentence

You can enhance the flavor of the dish by using fresh herbs. The image has been digitally enhanced to show more detail. The company is looking to enhance its earnings potential.
Recent Examples on the Web Inside, a fireplace enhances the ambiance of the living area. Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 Given the growing popularity of its digital platforms, the NBA is tapping into artificial intelligence to enhance fans' viewing experience. Fox News Staff, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2024 Whitworth’s love of jazz enhanced his editing skills and gave him refuge and resilience and a different way to think. Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2024 But the true star of Robert Wiene’s silent classic is the German Expressionist set design, whose jarring angles and dramatic shadows enhance its tale of murder and madness. Katie Rife, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2024 The article notes that the structure underwent a transformation, including the application of aluminum clapboard siding to preserve its authenticity while enhancing durability. Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024 The company also agreed to strengthen its compliance program and to enhance compliance program reporting requirements. Lori Aratani, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 As companies increasingly recognize the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation, the co-CEO structure provides a framework to enhance strategic agility and intellectual capital. Dean Debiase, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Trustees: New station, programs for Green Township police enhance safety in township A new facility will help accommodate a growing Green Township Police Department. The Enquirer, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enhance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enhauncen, from Anglo-French enhaucer, enhauncer, from Vulgar Latin *inaltiare, from Latin in + altus high — more at old

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of enhance was in the 13th century

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Dictionary Entries Near enhance

Cite this Entry

“Enhance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enhance. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

enhance

verb
en·​hance in-ˈhan(t)s How to pronounce enhance (audio)
enhanced; enhancing
: to increase or improve in value, desirability, or attractiveness
enhancement noun
enhancer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enhance

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